NFL Preview: New England Patriots

Brady’s back and his bunch is looking well-oiled.

Disgusting as it sounds, the Patriots in full flight are anything but to behold. With Wes Welker returning from a busted knee, and all star super-stud Tom Brady feeling good about the completion of his lengthy rehabilitation, this team will duke it out with the Jets for the right to call themselves top-dog in the AFC East.


A few months ago I wrote an article on this blog about how tough it was to succeed in the AFC East these days. The Jets are, without any doubt in my mind, the most rapidly improved team in league under Rex Ryan. After last years surprising and, in many ways, fortunate journey to the AFC championship game, the Jets were expected to sink back into mediocrity, but that has not happened. This means the Patriots will have to be in fine fettle to force an emergency landing in New York.

The old guard have gone, and a new dawn is upon the fans at Foxboro. Vrabel is a Chief (sounds a bit rude that, doesn’t it), Bruschi (my hero) is putting his feet up after three well-earned Superbowl victories and an undefeated season, Vinitieri is a Colt and almost everyone else from the dynastic rule of New England is either preparing to call it a day or sitting on the sidelines as Belichick’s young protégés move up through the ranks.

Never underestimate a team coached by BB. New England will have to fight tooth and nail for the win in this division, but I can’t help but think their experience could be the deciding factor.

With a fully fit Brady at the helm, more running backs on the depth chart than you can shake a stick at, and a pair of Pro Bowl receivers, you can expect them to do well. I think an 11-5 record is likely, but I think that might tie them with the Jets. 12-4 should wrap up this division, but that’s a long way from September and with so many stars coming off injuries they’ll need to take it week by week.


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